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The
Squamidian Report – Apr. 29 / 23
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#1092 Russ Nova Scotia Sus The Ontarion
Hey There, Finally, finally, our weather took a turn for the better. Better late than never I guess but who knows how long it will last. And to that end I’ve been able to do some rides on both bikes. Not at the same time of course but one at a time. They are so different it’s unbelievable but thats how it should be because there would be no point in having two identical bikes. When you crack the throttle on the Harley you’d better be holding on. When you crack the throttle on the Enfield, well, it says “whatever” and goes putt putt putt. My first ride on the Enfield that was more than just around the neighborhood was up the Upper Squamish Valley as far as the old wooden logging bridge by the Ashlu River. Once past the end of pavement that road is so bumpy and pot-holed that even the off-road capabilities of the Enfield were almost not enough. But, it was a nice ride and that’s all that matters. I’ve also done a ride up toward Garibaldi park as far as the snowline. The road is pretty narrowly up there but again, a nice ride. Here’s a pic of the Royal Enfield Himalayan parked on the bridge, as proof that I really was there, should such a thing be needed.
* Sadly, the great comedians of this world have been disappearing, dying off, and leaving us at the mersey of what is now called ‘comedy’. Comedy is subjective of course. What I may find funny, you may find offensive and so forth. But, the comedians of old used wit, satire, and intelligence to create their humor. The so called comedians of today tend to use shock, smut, bodily functions and anger to create their excuse for humor. As many of you know, one of the last and very best of the best has now left us. Barry Humphries, the Australian actor and comedian died last weekend at the age of 89. He is best known to most of the world for his character ‘Dame Edna’. If you’ve ever watched any of his sketches portraying ‘her’, you will understand just how brilliant and funny this man was. If you haven’t, well, look Dame Edna up on YouTube and treat yourself to comedy at it’s best. When I say ‘at it’s best’, I’m referring to comedy for intelligent viewers which is why he never caught on very well in the US where comedy is aimed at the lowest common denominator. So, whether you are familiar with Barry Humphries or not, look up some of his work, especially his ‘Dame Edna’ material and treat yourself to comedy at it’s best.
doug ****
From Russ
In a bind It's finally being "bound" as I write this article - my latest book, that is. It's been three years since we started working on it, then we were hit with the world pandemic and everything was shut down! Unless the world ends, or we find ourselves at war with Russia/china/North korea, etc., the ink should be dry by mid-May and delivery can start. Many of you have already expressed your wish to receive a free copy of the book, and if they would let me drive I'd hand-deliver one to each of you. Yes, even to you in Buckhorn, Ottawa, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Australia! Flying is not an option as I have rotator cuff injuries in both my 'wings', and delivery $ervices are too expensive! Plans A, B, and C are in place - now if I can get volunteers to deliver said books to those in your area of the world, we'll all be happy. Note: the above-mentioned have already been arranged. "What book?" you ask. "What's it all about? Never heard a thing about it" you say. OK - now that I'm unable to do much else, my hobby is writing short stories, articles, newsletters, books, etc., and having previously written six small books, I foolishly began book number seven - the last one I'll ever have printed (reason being at one minute past midnight on May 21st, I will be entering my 95th year - about as old as a person ought to get!) Brother Lorne had enough knowledge and old photos of the Brubacher Clan to write a book - but, unfortunately passed away before he could do so. May he rest in peace. Sister Evelyn had actually begun to write such a book - had written a diary, was able to remember the names, date of birth and parents of all our relatives! Sadly Evy passed away before she accomplished her wishes. May she rest in peace. Brother Wayne has the skill, and knowledge to write a "Best Seller", but not the time. He and his wife, Sylvia, their daughter Sonja and her husband Ken & their infant daughter, Gabriella, and Sylvia's mother sold their homes in Kitchener, and moved to a "Gentleman's Farm" in New Brunswick. Wayne designed, and constructed his new home in the loft of a large structure we'll call a "Barn". I've only seen pictures of his 'miracle', but can tell you it's incredible what they have accomplish. My book, titled: A Hill, a River, and a Family was to honour our parents, Wilbur and Emma Brubacher on what would have been their 100th Wedding Anniversary in 2020, but expanded into a 'memoir' about the tough times they endured raising a large family in the "Dirty Thirties" The Great Depression of 1929. We relate things about each child (no dark secrets), and how they grew into successful, talented adults - each in turn begat children whom we all love, and admire! Each of my siblings has a Family Tree in the back of the book in which interested parties can "continue to grow their own tree as children are born, and 'prune' the tree as people die" We believe you will find A Hill, a River, and a Family informative, entertaining, naughty, sad, and even shocking in a few places. Finally, if you have not already sent me an email, indicating you would like a free copy, and provided your home address, and phone number, we would appreciate this information ASAP as there are only 30 copies being printed, and 20+ have already been spoken for.
Uncle Russ ****
From Nova Scotia Sus
Today was an interesting day. We went to New Glasgow to pick up our order of 6 full grown laying hens...well as it turns out they didn't have our name on the list and when looking for it found our order for a June shipment. So we left empty handed. I felt bad for the chickens on the huge transport Truck..the cages were stacked super high and over stuffed with adult chickens . The man at the store said this was the way to buy chickens when they are ready to lay and start producing for you right away. The cost for one chicken is 13.40 opposed to buying them 1 day old at 2.00 and buying feed for them for 18 weeks . I beg to differ after seeing what a horrible life they have lived up till now. I'd rather raise them in a good setting and they reward us with eggs when they are grown. I've always said if you want to be popular raise chickens.....they love attention. You probably have heard enough about chickens I must try another subject. Sus I would like to ad to my report that April 26th is Dumping Day which is the kickoff to the lobster fishing season for Pictou Harbour to Pugwash Nova Scotia. This year they are starting the lobster season earlier than normal . The goal is to avoid fishing in July when the water temps are warmer. Every port in the area celebrates Dumping Day sending boats off in hopes of an abundant and safe season. Dumping Day sees the fishers head out in the dark on their way to the fishing grounds. Dropping the pots adds an element of danger due to the task but also because of the amount of equipment required on the boats. Our fisher friends appeared at our door today with 6 🦞 Sus ****
The Ontarion
Hello everyone It’s another lovely rainy weekend here in KW. Let’s hope for better weather ahead! It’s time we were able to get the MGB out of the garage and back on the road for some “Top Down” cruising! I can hardly wait for that good weather to arrive! It’s been a terrible winter as far as I’m concerned and it’ll be good to have more of that warm and sunny stuff! * Some of the latest news happening in and around our town is the problem with “Homeless” people and their encampments! They have occupied “Roos” island in the middle of Victoria Park lake for a whole year now and it’s been nothing but a shameless mess to say the least! The city has just declared this encampment to be against our by-laws and has ordered the encampment closed! The city has even erected a heavy wired gate across the entrance to the island to prevent the occupants from continuing their entrance to the island. The campers are a tad upset at this idea since they are being forced to leave their mess and move to a new “Tiny house” city paid for by us tax payers. This new un-messy city has been erected on the west side of Waterloo next to the KW fire academy and Paramedic training academy! The new Tiny City has 50 brand new tiny homes complete with a twin bed and bedding, an air conditioning system and heating and a small refrigerator. The homeless are complaining that this tiny city is too far out of the center of the city and is inconvenient for them! I say don’t look a gift horse in the mouth! It’s a heck of a lot better than what you have in the dump you’ve called home for the past year on the island in Victoria Park! In fact, the region has set up a bus service for the people that will live in the “Tiny City” on Erb’s road! They have also erected washroom facilities as well as clean new shower facilities too! What more do these people want? I’ve watched the news when they have interviewed some of these so called “homeless” folks and to be honest, I think there is no reason for most of them to be where they are in life! They seem quite capable of working if they’d get off their asses and try to get employment somewhere! For crying our loud, even McDonalds and Wendy’s are always looking for employees! I guess this sort of job is considered beneath the dignity of these “Homeless” folks! Their encampments have caused problems with rats and other dirty vermin! The paramedics that work in an ambulance station on Victoria St have stated on the news that they are having to deal with a rat infestation due to the dump of garbage from the “Homeless” encampment that is across the street from their place of employment. The homeless people are dumping their refuse on an empty lot next to the paramedic station and why should the paramedics have to deal with such a mess! I’m sorry but I think most of the homeless people are just plain damned lazy and should wake up and make an effort to do something with their lives! I for one am tired of my tax dollars going to support these people! It’s time for them to do something more with their lives than sit in squalor and wine about their misfortune while expecting the working class to pay their way! However, there are those in the “Homeless” group that are suffering from a form of mental illness and legitimately need the help of the system to cope and I agree with that but there is in my opinion no need for the majority of the homeless not to be working for even a minimum wage job to support themselves! I guess I’ve said enough from my soap box for this week! Thanks for tuning in and I’ll look forward to talking to you all again next week in The Ontarion Report!
Bye for now…. Greg ****
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